Vegetable Profile: Spinach

Vegetable Profile: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Description:
A cold-loving member of the Amaranth family, spinach originated in Southwestern Asia. It has tender, velvety leaves with a sharp, bitter-sweet flavor.
 
Nutrition:
Spinach tonifies the blood, and supports the function of the large intestine, stomach, and liver. It's  exceptionally high in minerals iron and calcium, although the antinutrient oxalic acid may prevent full absorption of these. It's also rich in lutein, which has been show to support good vision. 

Storage:
Use spinach quickly; it bruises and spoils easily. Store in a water tight container in the fridge for 3-4 days max.

Use: 
Steamed, stir-fried, creamed, or blended into soups, dips, or smoothies, spinach is truly a one-green-fits-all item in the kitchen. 
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Sources:
The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood
Asparagus to Zucchini by Fairshare Coalition
Produce: A fruit and vegetable lover's guide by Bruce Beck
Our own experience!​